TOM HARDY TO PLAY ELTON JOHN IN NEW BIOPIC

It has been announced today that Inception star Tom Hardy will play Sir Elton John in Rocketman, the forthcoming movie biopic of the famous singer’s life.

Sir Elton John, now 66, is playing his part as executive producer on the project, the implication being that we can hope to see an honest and personally approved portrayal of the star’s life. Born Reginald Dwight, Elton John started out as a child who was an unusually proficient pianist for his age and then rose to fame as one of the country’s most celebrated musicians.

In charge of the screenplay is the renowned Lee Hall, famed for is Oscar-nominated work on Billy Elliot and Spielberg’s War Horse.

Many might consider casting Hardy an unusual choice for the flamboyant character of Elton John, soon to be penned by Hall. Tom Hardy is famed for his imposing frame, brooding looks and no-nonsense attitude. He has often been in danger of being type-cast as the on-set muscle man, with characters such as The Dark Knight Rises’ Bane and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’s Ricki Tarr have done nothing to shift that stereotype. It is yet to be seen what Hardy put across in his screen test to convince the casting directors that the part should be his, but considering the iconic nature of the part, it must have been something rather special. If Hardy was looking to ditch the hard-man look and open up his Hollywood career prospects, he’s set himself on a seriously good path.

The last big biopic to make a splash at the Box Office was Behind the Candelabra, a tribute to Liberace starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. Sir Elton John followed its line of remembrance last month when he played live at the Emmy Awards ceremony for the first time, dedicating his performance to the 70s superstar.

The film, which is currently in pre-production, is sure to promote a re-surge in Elton John single downloads and biographies, as well as showing the much adored Hammersmith-born Hardy in an entirely new, techni-coloured light.